Along the Iiyama Line flows the Chikuma-gawa River (Shinano-gawa River), and along the river lie village woods, fields and country homes.
This train was created around this concept of rustic Japan and bringing people to home villages, where the true heart of the Japanese people resides. Gazing at the rice paddies fading into the distance, passengers feel a sense of calm and healing. To help bring home the image of the home village, with its scenic rice paddies, rivers and mountains, this train was named Oykot, which is "Tokyo" spelled backwards. In Japanese, the name is written in hiragana as "Oikotto" (おいこっと).
The relaxing interior is designed in the style of an old-style rural home to bring back childhood memories of visiting grandma during summer vacation.
The train has Oykot Attendants available to make sightseeing announcements, provide information, take commemorative photos and sell goods.
Note: There is generally one crew member per train.
Those who join us on this Iiyama Line sightseeing train will receive a mini-pack of pickled nozawana. In the Shinshu area, eating pickles in ochazuke (rice with tea) is a custom, and passengers will hopefully have that feeling of returning to grandma's house in the countryside.
When the train is stopped at Iiyama Station, local goods are made available for sale, and locals may also have treats on board (during the outbound trip only).
Note: Different foods are offered in January and February.
Notes:
If there is no attendant on duty, on-board sales are not available.
Refreshments are subject to change or cancellation without notice.
* The above information is current as of January 24, 2020.
* The stops and times may be subject to change.
* A basic fare ticket and a reserved seat ticket are required for the Oykot
* Reserved seats are available from 10:00 one month before the departure date.
Calendar
Days marked with colored circles indicate the days this train service is in operation.
If you click on a date the train is in operation, you can search for empty seats and make a ticket reservation. * You need to have registered with JR-EAST Train Reservation.
Days marked with colored circles indicate the days this train service is in operation.
